Lead Mechatronics Engineer

Lead Mechatronics Engineer Buda, TX | Full-Time | Onsite The Opportunity Infravision is seeking an experienced Lead Mechatronics Engineer to lead the design, development, and integration of complex electromechanical payloads for our proprietary heavy-lift multirotor UAV platforms. In this hands-on technical leadership role, you will bring together mechanical engineering, electrical systems, and software controls to develop reliable, flight-ready solutions. From initial concept through testing and deployment, you will oversee payload integration, troubleshoot complex engineering challenges, and ensure systems meet demanding performance and flight safety requirements. This opportunity is ideal for an engineer who enjoys working across multiple technical disciplines, taking ownership of complex development projects, and seeing innovative technology perform in real-world aviation environments. What You'll Do • UAV Payload Design & Integration: Lead the architecture, design, and integration of custom electromechanical payloads onto heavy-lift multirotor platforms. • Flight Controller & Systems Integration: Interface secondary hardware and sensors directly with the drone's flight controller (ArduPilot/PX4) via MAVLink, CAN bus, or serial protocols. • Mechanical & Electrical Design: Select and specify drone-compatible motors, servos, sensors, power distribution boards, companion computers, and related components to support reliable payload operation. • System Performance & Flight Dynamics: Manage Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) constraints, including center of gravity and aircraft flight dynamics, to maintain safe operating limits. • Technical & Project Leadership: Serve as the Responsible Engineer and primary technical point of contact for payload development from concept through deployment. Develop and manage project scopes, schedules, and budgets while coordinating internal engineering teams and external suppliers. • Engineering Risk & Safety: Identify and evaluate technical risks, particularly those affecting flight safety and system redundancy, and implement appropriate mitigation strategies throughout development and integration. • Testing & Validation: Develop and execute comprehensive test plans, including bench testing, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations, and live flight testing to verify system functionality, reliability, and safety. • Diagnostics & Troubleshooting: Investigate system-level issues, analyze flight logs, conduct root-cause analysis, and support PID tuning and vibration analysis associated with payload integration. • Technical Documentation: Develop and maintain system requirements, wiring diagrams, integration manuals, test documentation, safety protocols, and other engineering records supporting the design and deployment lifecycle. What We're Looking For • Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechatronics, Aerospace, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering required. • Mechatronics Experience: Minimum five years of hands-on experience in automation, robotics, or complex electromechanical systems integration. • UAV & Flight Controller Expertise: Proven experience with multirotor drone platforms and open-source flight controllers, including ArduPilot, PX4, or CubePilot. • Communications & Embedded Integration: Strong understanding of MAVLink, companion computer integration using platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson or Raspberry Pi, and drone telemetry systems. • Mechanical & Electrical Engineering: Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks or Fusion 360 for lightweight mechanisms, combined with strong knowledge of high-current DC power distribution and custom wiring harness design. • Project & Technical Leadership: Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary engineering projects from concept through completion, manage technical deliverables, and perform rigorous root-cause analysis. • Aviation Experience: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate or Remote Pilot in Command experience preferred. • Robotics & Computer Vision: Familiarity with Robot Operating System (ROS) and computer vision integration on UAV platforms preferred. • Environmental Design: Previous experience developing hardware for harsh or demanding outdoor operating environments preferred. • Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. Infravision does not offer employment visa sponsorship for this position, now or in the future. • Other Duties as assigned Next Steps Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help shape the future of energy infrastructure with Infravision.